MallowbyNames

Chiann

kee-AN · Variant of Cheyenne, a name of uncertain origin, possibly from a Native American tribal name meaning 'people of a different speech'.

Peak popularity
2001
Usually for
Girls
Trend
Holding steady

Holding steady.

Popularity of Chiann since 1981

Babies named Chiann per year in U.S. Social Security records.

48121990200020102020Most births 2001Girls
Data table (by decade)
DecadeGirls
1980s6
1990s57
2000s57
2010s5
2020s0

Meaning & origin

Chiann is a creative English respelling of Cheyenne, first recorded in 1981. Its peak usage came in 2001, reflecting a broader trend of phonetically spelled, modernized adaptations of Native American tribal names. Despite never achieving widespread popularity, the name has maintained a steady, if minimal, presence. Like many rare names, Chiann offers a unique twist on a well-known original, appealing to parents seeking an uncommon but familiar-sounding choice. The spelling with a double 'n' distinguishes it from the more common Cheyenne, giving it a distinctive visual and phonetic identity.

Chiann is a modern English respelling of Cheyenne, pronounced kee-AN. Cheyenne itself derives from the name of the Cheyenne Native American tribe, though the exact meaning is debated. The spelling with a double 'n' emerged in the late 20th century as a feminine given name, likely influenced by the popularity of similar-sounding names like Diann or Tiana.

Nicknames & variants

Nicknames: Chi, Ann, Chey

Variants: Cheyenne, Cheyanne, Shyanne, Chyanne

Sibling names for Chiann

Names that share Chiann's style, for a brother or sister.

A parent animal hugging its little one, the personalized name page

C is for Chiann, our favorite little girl.

C is for Chiann…”

In a Mallowby alphabet book, Chiann's letter becomes Chiann's page: hand-illustrated, printed hardcover or paperback, made just for them.

Make Chiann's book

Books for siblings or grandkids? The second book is 15% off.

Questions parents ask

What does the name Chiann mean?
Chiann is a modern variant of Cheyenne, a name of uncertain origin possibly related to a Native American tribal name meaning 'people of a different speech'.
Is Chiann currently a popular name?
Chiann has never ranked among the top 1,000 names in the United States. Its peak popularity was in 2001, when it was given to fewer than five babies in that year.
Is Chiann a boy's or girl's name?
Chiann is almost exclusively used as a girl's name.